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AFFORDABLE HOMES VITAL TO HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF AMERICA’S CHILDREN

First-Ever Comprehensive Look at the Impact of Housing on Health and Education Reveals the Link Between Decent, Affordable Homes and a Brighter Future for America’s Families

In-Depth Research Makes Strong Case for Elevating Housing on the National Agenda

Washington, DC (July 26, 2007) – Affordable homes are vital to the health and educational achievements of America’s children and families, according to the first-ever comprehensive look at related research released today by Enterprise Community Partners and the Center for Housing Policy. Specifically, two new in-depth research analyses of the impact of housing on health and education reveal the critical role of decent, affordable rental and owned homes. The research sheds light on the many ways that housing helps ensure a brighter future for children and their families and makes a strong case for elevating housing to its rightful place on the national agenda.

“In our 25 years of working with community based non-profits, Enterprise has expanded the supply of affordable housing,” comments Kristin Siglin, vice president of Enterprise Community Partners. “These surveys of social science research highlight the importance of affordable housing in helping people up and out of poverty by clearly illustrating the connections between affordable housing and health and education.”

“This comprehensive analysis provides real insight into the many ways in which quality, affordable housing can help in addressing this nation’s health and educational challenges,” said Jeffrey Lubell, executive director of the Center for Housing Policy. “Our goal is to ensure that affordable housing becomes part of the national debate by framing the important connections between housing and key social outcomes and documenting how stronger housing policies can help America’s children and their families realize a brighter future.”

Housing and Health

Housing Cost Burdens and Crowding

The research analysis on the impact of housing on health points to the fact that families who live in affordable housing are likely to have more money to spend on health care and food related expenses, resulting in increased overall health and nutrition. One study, for example, found that children whose families receive housing assistance were approximately 50 percent less likely to suffer from iron deficiencies than children in low-income families that do not receive housing aid. Additionally, by alleviating crowding, affordable housing can reduce exposure to stressors and infectious disease, resulting in improvements in physical and mental health.

Lead Paint

Approximately 14 million children under age six live in older rental housing built before 1960 that puts them at risk for lead-based paint exposure and lead poisoning.

Homeownership

This research analysis presents evidence that children of homeowners and their families achieve better physical and mental health outcomes compared to renters, including fewer long-term illnesses, as well as lower blood pressure and depression levels. Approximately 85 percent of homebuyers reported that homeownership made them feel better about themselves. These findings point to a strong correlation between homeownership and overall health and well-being. Since much of the benefits of homeownership appear to be tied to the stability it provides, it is possible that similar benefits may be achieved through more stable forms of rental housing.

Housing and Education

Housing Stability

According to the research analysis on housing’s impact on education, housing stability plays a key role in helping children do better in school. Children that moved frequently tended to do less well in school, and also consume disproportionate educational resources, to the disadvantage of other children. By helping families avoid unplanned moves, affordable housing can help them achieve greater residential and school stability.

Affordable Housing, Crowding and Homelessness

The analysis indicates that affordable housing developments may function as a platform for educational improvements by providing opportunities for residential-based after-school programs or by anchoring the development of a community that includes new or improved schools. Affordable housing can also reduce overcrowding and other sources of housing-related stress that lead to negative developmental and educational outcomes for children. Clearly, affordable housing may also support children’s educational achievement by reducing homelessness among families.

Rental Assistance

When it comes to housing assistance, the data reveal that children in families that receive housing vouchers live in better neighborhoods and are less likely to move frequently and to miss school compared to children in families that do not receive vouchers. When well-located, other forms of affordable housing may have similar benefits.

Moving to a neighborhood with less poverty or a stronger school system can improve children’s educational achievements by facilitating the development of stronger social ties and access to role models and community resources, as well as reducing exposure to crime and violence. For example, one of the research studies cited found that children whose families moved from inner city public housing into suburban neighborhoods were substantially more likely than their peers in the city to complete high school, take college-prep courses, go to college and enter the workforce.

Homeownership

Additional research reveals that children of homeowners also have higher rates of high school graduation by age 19 and that they ultimately stay in school longer than children whose families rent. The benefits associated with homeownership were also found to be stronger for low-income households than for families with higher incomes. It is important to note that the advantages of homeownership appear to be due in large part to the stability that it provides, but another lingering impact relates to the physical and emotional environments provided by owned versus rented homes.

Acknowledgements

The Center for Housing Policy and Enterprise Community Partners gratefully acknowledge the support of the Fannie Mae Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and Living Cities for these materials. The findings and conclusions they present, however, are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the funders or sponsors.

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Enterprise is a leading provider of the development capital and expertise it takes to create decent, affordable homes and rebuild communities. For 25 years, Enterprise has pioneered neighborhood solutions through public-private partnerships with financial institutions, governments, community organizations and others that share our vision. Enterprise has raised and invested $8 billion in equity, grants and loans and is currently investing in communities at a rate of $1 billion a year. Visit www.enterprisecommunity.org or www.enterprisecommunity.com to learn more about Enterprise’s efforts to build communities and opportunity, and to meet some of the half a million people we have helped.

The Center for Housing Policy is the research affiliate of the National Housing Conference (NHC), the nation’s premier public policy and housing advocacy organization. The Center works to broaden understanding of the housing challenges facing American households and to examine the impact of policies and programs developed to address these needs. Combining research and practical, real-world expertise, the Center helps to develop effective policy solutions at the national, state and local levels that increase the availability of affordable homes. For more information, please go to www.nhc.org.